#always feel free to infodump its so interesting to hear ppl talk about things they're passionate or knowledgable about

[nerves-nebula]

YEAH SAME SAME the pins and needles spooked "uh oh what might happen" feeling was with me in different levels the ENTIRE time I was watching the movie. HOLY SMOKES it is so good!!

That's pretty interesting actually, I looked it up and the movie was made like a year or two after the show paused. It might've paused with covid conflicts with animation in which case HOPEFULLY it'll return? Like the show probably did really well and wiki says it's been nominated for a ton of different awards (and won one) SO.

AND YEAH BATTLE SHELL PLANS!! (you have activated my autism, infodump incoming!! SORRY if you aren't ready for it but it has been activated you cannot stop it <- absolutely thrilled that you implied i could infodump about it) ALSO trying to make it sensory issue friendly too!!)

See I could just buy a back protector but ehhhh that's not cool. PLUS I like making stuff and have taught myself a few skills that could come in handy here BUT highly depending on which plan I go with, because I have a couple for the base structure and some ideas for add-ons, fun features, etc

SO I've made rough sketches for what it would structurally be like, materials, size, etc. I'm also debating on how I want to approach the base structure. I know at least I want to have a mesh layer that is what will be against your body.

It'll be connected around the edges with a zipper, or at least one of the mesh layers will be connected that way so if you wear it against your skin you can wash it. I'll probably end up cannibalizing the back of a sweater or a comfortable material and use that for the zipper attachment, just so it doesn't cause any sensory issues

Structure wise I have to main ideas, based on two philosophical thoughts, with different approaches for the rest depending on how I do the structure style. The structure style is mostly about flexibility vs durability. You need enough strength that it can protect, but too much makes it too stiff. I'm a pretty flexible person (aka I sit and move in odd ways) so I need the durability to not get in the way of comfort)

FIRST based on a plate system dependent on connection points, where I'd go with one main spinal support beam that connects to four main layers of plates. These plates (two horizontal on each size, bigger vertical plats on the top vs lower back) would be connected directly to the mesh itself, but overlap to a layer. The flexibility would be based on the actual mesh, with the durability and strength being the plates.

The plates would need to be made out of something that isn't so tough that they can't lay flat. If I went with the plate system I'd probably have an exterior material that wraps around them, just to keep them flat and discreet. HOWEVER it would be SO tempting to not include an outside wrap, but in that case I'd have to individually wrap the plates.

HONESTLY for the plate system I was considering making the plates out of weaved/crochet metal wires, however this gets into a point I'll break down later. BUT the downside of the plate system is how it connects. The actual connection points would be highly dependent on the durability on the mesh, as it would have to directly attach to that. I'd also consider maybe adding an edge-connection system to the plates so they can connect to themselves to a degree?

Sorta like how siding for houses have, less like what hardwood floor boards have, however it would have to be horizontal and vertical based which adds extra difficulties. BUT an interlocking system would add to overall durability of the shell itself and would make the wear on the base material lessen, plus could open up the idea of having an additional feature where individual plates can be added or removed, maybe instead of directly attaching the plates to the base material there would be a connection point attached to specific positions on the base material?

Which combined with the interlocking plates would be enough to hold it all together. PLUS would add customizability! so int he future I could replace plates with new ones, whether that be they got broken, or need stronger plates, or adding plates with a level of tech in them (for example if there is already a set structure for the interlocking system it would theoretically be possible to implement a basic lighting system into individual plates, either sharing wires between the plates or each being battery based, BUT I'm trying not to think that far ahead..)

(back to the overal structure debate)

SECOND would be less fancy but more practical approach to the structure, making it out of a singular flexible but tough material. Thinking like rubber-like (or at least not super stiff) hexigonal pieces that attach on the sides. Obviously this structure would have edge pieces to smooth is and an outter and inner cover to protect the actual core hexagon structure lol.

It would be probablyyy the easier option, and is similar to what I think buyable back protectors are made out of. Sorta similar train of thought to crochet or beehives. It would have less customizability options and maybe thicker(?) depending on the material used. And depending on the size of the hexigones I'd have to make specialized moulds or create each one myself. It's both less and more turtle-y, but would be the most similar to Donnie's actual shell which lacks specific plates. There's also the issue that the hexagones would need to have a hollow (or near hollow) inside to actually be flexible enough for this approach to work, or would need to have another tough layer of material on the outside, which would reduce flexibility again.

NEXT DEBATE: To use metal or to not? This is based mostly on that I actually want to wear this, at least if I'm having a rough day or need to go in a more unsafe part of town. And also like, it'd be soo awkward to go into a place that has metal detectors and trigger it and have to remove the battle shell, however that's an extremely uncommon situation so ???

BUT with metal I'd consider weaving/crocheting thin metal wires into the shapes I need, mostly this would be for the plate system. It wouldn't be too hard to plan the tough shapes for each plate, and then making the structure of the individual plates fit within that, and mirroring it based on the spine. They'd have to be wrapped of course, and if metal was already being used they could be wrapped with scrap metal from pop cans for example, but more likely a few pads of jean on the outside and wrapped with one material.

With thicker wires though (or combining enough wires) I could make the hexagonal approach through wires as well, with weaving a star shape inside the wire hexagons to increase strength.

I'm ALSO considering using melted plastic-like material. Plastic sucks though, so I want to think about this more, but it would be the most obvious other choice compared to metal. Cley is too prone to breaking (strong but not durable) and wood is impractical and harder to source. Layers of stronger materials just doesn't make as much sense and is time consuming, and I can't spend a lot of money fabricating a special material.

BUT for the melted plastic-like material my most obvious thought would be silicone, resin, OR the cheapest and most easy to source option: melted and shapped glue sticks. This would make both structure style of shells a lot easier to make, as I wouldn't have to focus so much on making the individual because I could make moulds for the parts instead. AND if I didn't attach the structure directly to the material and instead had connection points onto the material then I could make these in the mould as well (mostly applies to plate structure approach).

Of course for the plates they'd be separated by an alphanumeric row vs column sorting system, which would mean I'd have to make a LOT of individual moulds for each plate. BUT once a plate mould is made then it would be easier to make future plates. And would make it easier to customize.

For the hexagon system I'd have to make a LOT less moulds, just enough to have edge pieces and the hexagon pieces themselves. Not much else to add here, other than these would be more delicate moulds.

For the moulds themselves I'd probably use air-dry clay and shape it by that, which means I'd still end up making whichever battle shell out of clay, which is still kinda fun. And for fun I'd have a clay shell (mostly decorative and I don't have the storage space). And then make a mould around that from probably hot glue.

It's also SO tempting to consider making a waterproof solution and apply that to the shell, but it would be something to wear under clothes mostly so. hmmmmMMm. Other features I'm considering adding is a hidden hood (just need a zipper with a small pouch that I can hide the hood in when it's not in use). And some hidden pockets that can be accessed on the edges, which honestly I'd probably use to hide a few tools and a small emergency food stash, BUT I also need to recognize tha tI'm not going to be left in the woods for a week so it doesn't need to be tooooooo curvival inclusive. <- saying that but I won't stop thinking about it.

ALSO thinking about how fun it would be to add an attachable front layer to it too, so there's a back AND front shell. Front would need to be less tough and more flexible, but would be even less discreet than wearing a back shell. HOWEVER it would be really cool, and if it's removable then I could implement tech into it, like a hidden mp3 with speakers and headphones run through the system, lights, etc. Any of that would stop it from being discrete and would take more time so THIS here is just an example of "realistic goal" vs "I want to do it all hyperfocus".

I'm also thinking about how possible it would be to add actual tech stuff into the shell, BUT while I've taught myself some wiring and basic robotics and know how to code, more of my skills fall into physical creation rather than technological creation. Sad! Oh well!

I've already measured how big it would have to be and have recycled an old shirt to mark how big it would be and the size. Depending on if people are curious I could make a sideblog that covers my experience of making the battle shell with picture updates, advice, and maybe at the end a guide of sorts of how to make your own battle shell? I'm going to make it as cost effective as possible so I can update people at the end on how that went as well. I'm thinking WAYY ahead but if someone wanted a battle shell I could make them too after I've made one myself? WHO KNOWS

ANYWAYS that's where my solid thoughts end for the battle shell, most of my thoughts are not as word-based and harder to describe. If you have opinions on the plate vs hexagon structure style and include metal vs don't include metal debate feel free to share!! <- applicable to ANYONE that reads this. I'm leaning towards the plate system but recognize that it would be less discrete and more difficult alerkgmalekrmg)

SORRY FOR THE HUGE INDUMP BUT THANKS FOR LETTING ME INFODUMP ABOUT IT MY BRAIN IS CONSUMED WITH THOUGHTS ABOUT IT

i want u to know that im putting this through text to speech while drawing and its like sitting with someone and listening to them talk while making art and its really nice and cool :)

i didn't follow everything you said here but I got most of it, and it sounds fuckin fascinating. im always impressed by people who can like. CRAFt and CREATE shit like this. I am fucking entranced by the idea that you ACTUALLY know how to do this,,, I would love love LOVE to follow a side blog detailing this journey oh my goddd.

also this sentence cracked me up: "Of course for the plates they'd be separated by an alphanumeric row vs column sorting system" just cause its such a typically autistic thing to say "Of Course (something i don't understand)"

i wish i could have opinions to offer you on the hexagon vs plate thing but i'm basically just fascinated that you actually know how to do it, so my input is sorely lacking